HARRISBURG, Pa. — A new $1 million inclusive, multi-part playground and picnic plaza at Lower Paxton Township’s Brightbill Park officially opened today, marking the latest improvements to the 41-acre park.
Helping to celebrate the opening was state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn, whose agency made the project possible with a $520,000 matching grant.
“DCNR’s mission is to protect and preserve the Commonwealth’s natural resources for present and future generations, and this new inclusive playground and picnic plaza is a prime example of how we can be more mindful of opportunities for all in the future,” Dunn said. “DCNR thanks Lower Paxton for prioritizing outdoor recreation and inclusive experiences at this park and we look forward to seeing the impact of this investment going forward.”
Last year, Lower Paxton completed work on new bathrooms adjacent to the playground site, and the year before finished a $180,000 replacement of Brightbill’s lighted basketball courts, made possible through a $70,000 grant from the Dauphin County Commissioners. The courts are used by the township’s Brightbill Basketball League, which is open to all county residents and boasts more than 800 participants.
"Brightbill stands out as a treasure in our township, and this project is a crucial step in our ongoing efforts to upgrade all of our parks," said Lower Paxton Township Supervisor Chairman Robin Lindsey. "We understand that our parks are important investments in our residents' well-being, encouraging a healthier and happier community."
Lower Paxton is in the midst of a multi-year, $5 million renovation of parks throughout the township.
The new and expanded Brightbill Park playground – which replaces 20-year-old equipment, features:
- An inclusive playground with two areas for differing ages that goes well beyond the requirements of ADA. The new playground includes sections for children ages 2-5 and another for those ages 5-12.
- A “sound garden” with a variety of outdoor musical instruments allows children to explore various sounds and tones, expanding their sensory play.
- A small outdoor plaza with new benches and picnic tables, including a wheelchair-accessible table
- New outdoor grills, with two new units on a cement pad for easier access. These replace two older grills.
- A paved path from the parking lot to an existing path in the nearby wooded area.
Lower Paxton’s 16 parks encompass approximately 382 acres and ranges from lightly developed forest and mountain land to established athletic fields, playgrounds, and ball courts.